How to Be Indie

It may be perplexing to some people, since the word has such a cool reputation, but Indie simply means independent. The interesting thing is that most Indie stuff ends up being mainstream and popular, like the band, Nirvana. At the same time, protesters at WTO gatherings may consider themselves Indie since the term is also associated with idealism and the anti-corporate culture. Keep the faith and be Indie.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Produce your own videos or films to be Indie. With production technology today, it's easy to not only shoot footage but to also edit it.

2. Get video editing software for your computer. Learn how to use it by practicing. Hands-on experience is the best teacher, and much of the software is fairly user-friendly.

3. Write, record and promote your own music to be Indie. Buy software for composing and editing music, such as "Cakewalk."

4. Burn your own CDs and find software for making CD labels. Some computers already have label making software installed. Download free or trial CD cover software at "Free Downloads Center."

5. Design and program your own video games if you're a budding game developer. Burn copies of your games and create cool labels for them.

6. Understand that marketing and advertising are important for the success of any product. Be Indie, but know that unless you sell your product, you won't make a profit.

7. Forget big companies and corporations. They were all Indie at one time. Be Indie now and don't rely on the status quo and the establishment.

Resources

• Read CNN's article.
• Learn about music production software.
• Get free trial and shareware software for making CD covers.